Assessment, which may be referred to as neuropsychological, psychological, or psychoeducational testing or assessment, is a collaborative deep dive designed to better understand you and your unique brain. It usually consists of an intake and information gathering period, two to five testing sessions, feedback meetings, and a summative report, letter and/or story (see the testing process question below for more details about the process). You can think of the assessment as a process to create a personalized roadmap. It gives you, your family, and your support system a clearer guide to navigate learning, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth. 

Therapeutic assessment is a specific assessment style that, rather than focusing on deficits and diagnosis, views you as a whole person with distinct talents, interests, and ways of engaging with the world that we seek to better understand.

Families and clients pursue assessment for many reasons. Some people are struggling academically, emotionally, behaviorally, or socially. Others may have questions about learning differences, attention, anxiety, mood, or developmental concerns. Sometimes folks are simply looking for clarity around questions or curiosities that have lingered for a long time.

A comprehensive evaluation can:

• Highlight unique strengths

• Clarify what may be getting in the way of success

• Provide tailored recommendations for school/ work, home, and therapeutic support

Many find that a thoughtful assessment brings relief, direction, and a deeper understanding of themselves and/or their child.

1. Forming a Partnership (Intake)

The process begins with a parent intake session, where we discuss strengths and passions, your concerns and questions, developmental and educational history, and your goals for the evaluation.

Depending on age, I also typically meet with children or teens one on one to build rapport and explore what they may want to better understand about themselves. 

2. Exploring and Discovering (Testing/ Gathering Information)

You participate in a series of structured testing sessions (2 - 5 meetings) paced thoughtfully to meet individual needs. Through a variety of activities, I observe how you approach problem-solving and respond to different types of challenges and activities.

Depending on your referral questions, the assessment may include cognitive, academic, emotional, behavioral, and/or personality measures. Throughout testing, I aim to create an environment that feels supportive and engaging. With your consent, I may consult with teachers or school staff, coaches, tutors or caregivers, or other providers to gather additional perspectives.

3. Shared Understanding (Feedback)

Once testing is complete, we meet for a collaborative feedback session. Together, we look at the information on hand, make meaning of it together, and build a compassionate narrative about you. We highlight strengths, identify areas for growth, and outline practical next steps. For kids and early teens, I typically have a feedback session with parent(s) followed by a feedback session with the child/ teen.

The goal is not to “fix” you through this process, but to understand you more fully and determine what supports will help you thrive. Feedback integrates test data, observations, identity, your knowledge about yourself, and the perspectives of parents, teachers or other important figures in your life. 

You will receive a comprehensive written report with findings and concrete recommendations for school, home, and any additional supports. When appropriate, I can also consult with school personnel or other providers to help facilitate next steps.

My hope is that you leave the process feeling informed and empowered to move forward.

• Building Confidence: When you understand how your brain works, it often strengthens self-esteem and increases willingness to take on new challenges. 

• Actionable Guidance: Assessment provides a clear path forward, including specific strategies and recommendations to support meaningful change.

• A Whole-Person Perspective: When individuals and their loved ones understand the “why” behind behavior, it can deepen empathy, reduce tension, and strengthen connection. Assessment can serve as an "empathy magnifier" that allows you to be seen and understood more fully.

I only offer private pay assessment. Assessment costs vary depending on the depth and complexity of the referring concerns but typically fall between $5000- $7,000. However, I offer sliding scale fee slots to make assessment more financially approachable if needed. 

Benefits of private pay instead of insurance:

• Required Diagnosis: Insurance only pays for "medically necessary" care, forcing a clinical diagnosis. This conflicts with a strength-based, holistic view of the person.

• Exclusion of Educational Testing: Insurance rarely covers evaluations for learning differences like dyslexia, labeling them as educational rather than medical issues.

• Time Limits: Insurance caps the number of allowable hours, rushing the intake, testing, and feedback sessions required for a thorough and collaborative approach.

• Restricted Testing Tools: Insurance companies often dictate which specific tests can be used, preventing a fully customized testing plan.